Portable bed bath

ABSTRACT

A portable bed bath used for bathing facilities for bedridden patients, comprising a mobile frame, which is folded for storage and which can be opened and positioned properly along the bed while the patient is in bed. A waterproof sheet forming the bath tub is fastened to the frame after the frame has been properly positioned. The unitary folding frame eliminates the necessity of assembling a variety of individual pieces to support the waterproof sheet which forms the tub, thereby minimizing the time required of the attendant, and simplifying the operation of giving a bath to a bedridden patient.

United States Patent [191 Hoxeng [4 Apr. 2, 1974 PORTABLE BED BATH 3,373,451 3/1968 Schmidt 4 177 9 9 [75] Inventor: Julian S. Hoxeng, Moorhead, Minn. g x32 g g f I I 4 v [73] Assignees: Bertha J. McCarthy, Thousand FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS Oaks; Carroll J. Cass, Los Angeles, both Calif. 729,421 4/1932 France 4/177 [22] Filed: Sept. 23, 1971 Primary Examiner-Henry K. Artis [211 App} No: 183,182 Attorney, Agent, or FirmDugger, Johnson &

Westman Related U.S. Application Data [63] Continuation-impart of Ser. No. 152,296, June 11, [57] ABSTRACT AEEEBlQbQibflth9QfQI ath flsf s t o k ridden patients, comprising a mobile frame, which is [2%] folded for storage and which can be opened and posi y "20 185 L tioned properly along the bed while the patient is in 1 0 bed. A waterproof sheet forming the bath tub is fastened to the frame after the frame has been properly [56] References Clted positioned. The unitary folding frame eliminates the UNITED STATES PATENTS necessity of assembling a variety of individual pieces 3,334,360 8/1967 HOXeng et al 4/l77 to support the waterproof sheet which forms the tub, 2,636,190 4/l953 Avila V X thereby minimizing the time required of the attendant, 3,280,409 10/1966 Comer 4/185 L and simplifying the operation of giving a bath to a 2,763,873 9/1956 Saunders 4/177 bedridden patient 1,451,437 4/1923 Bernier v 4/177 3,246,346 4/1966 Schmidt 4/177 15 Claims, 12 Drawing Figures PATENTEDAPR 2 I974 SHEET & UF 5 INVENTOR.

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PORTABLE BED BATH CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to portable bed baths for bedridden patients.

2. Prior Art In the prior art, portable bed baths which utilize waterproof sheets to form the bath tub have been known.

For example, my own U.S. Pat. No. 3,334,360 illustrates a collapsible bed bath which utilizes an overhead frame that must be disassembled and assembled each time it is to be used and removed. The bath tub is adequate for the job, but the assembly of the frame is very time consuming. This requires unnecessary effort on the part of the attendant. Because of labor costs at the present time, it is important that the collapsible or portable bed bath is easy to use. The structure of U.S. Pat. No. 3,334,360 therefore is more time consuming than it is desired, and the manufacturing costs of multiple piece frames are relatively high.

Other patents that show generally collapsible bed baths are those issued to RI. Schmidt. His U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,373,451 and 3,557,392 both show collapsible type frames that are supported on the bed and are difficult and time consuming to set up and use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a collapsible or portable bed bath which can be used to provide a bath tub structure for bedridden patients. The tub is formed from a flexible sheet that is supported around its peripheral edges upwardly from the bed surface by a framework. The main part of the sheet is supported on the bed while the patient is in the bed, and this requires that the frame only support the side edges, and not the entire weight of the bath tub unit.

The framework is easily folded after the bath has been completed and the water removed from the tub. The frame may then be moved to a different area and quickly unfolded over the bed of another patient while the patient is in the bed, without disassembling or assembling a number of different parts. I

Placing the waterproof sheet under the patient is done in the usual manner, namely rolling the patient in one direction adjacent an edge of the bed, placing folded portions of the flexible waterproof sheet against the patient, and spreading the sheet over the exposed portion of the bed, and then rolling the patient onto the sheet past the folds, and spreading the sheet to full size. When this is completed, theedges of the sheet are fastened to the frame, and the tub thus formed can be filled with water. I

The frame has controls for dispensing water from a faucet, and in one form of the invention a cabinet is included to store hoses, and also a transfer pump for emptying the tub after the bath is completed is provided. This provides controls for operating the bath at the hands of the nurse or attendant.

The device is relatively easy to make, and does fold and unfold quickly without complete disassembly. It can be adapted to a large number of different bed sizes, and can be used with a minimum of labor. The frame can be adjusted vertically to accommodate the range of heights available on hospital beds.

It is therefore an object of this invention to present a folding frame bath tub structure for bathing bedridden patients which does not have to be assembled or disassembled for use.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a typical installation of the portable bed bath made according to the present invention showing it installed over a bed with the tub in position;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the device of FIG. 1 with a dotted line showing of the frame partially folded;

FIG. 3 is an end view of the device of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the device of FIG. 2 when it is completely folded, illustrating the main support body for the unit;

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of a typical control panel for the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken as on line 6-6 in FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary perspective view of a modifled form of the invention showing the frame partially folded;

FIG. 8 is a side view of another modified form of the invention;

FIG. 9 is a sectional-view taken as on line 99 in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a sectional view taken as on line 10-10 in FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 is a fragmentary perspective view of the device of FIG. 8; and

FIG. 12 is a further modified perspective view of a head frame of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A portable bed bath illustrated generally at 10 is shown installed onto a hospital bed 1 1 shown in dotted lines, which has the usual mattress 12, and bed frame 13. The frame 13 includes a foot member 13A, and a head member 13B. The hospital beds can be of any desired configuration and the showing is for illustrative purposes. A patient in the bed requires regular bathing in order to prevent unsanitary conditions, and while sponge baths or baths given by an attendant are satisfactory for short periods, immersion or at least partial immersion in the water is desirable.

The portable bed bath, as shown, includes a flexible waterproof sheet 14, made of plastic or rubber which is placed on top of the mattress 12 with the patient in bed in the usual manner for changing sheets on invalid beds. The peripheral side edges of the sheet 14 extend outwardly beyond the patient, and are held upwardly to form a tub enclosure as shown generally at 15, which can be filled with water 21 to give the patient or invalid a bath. In FIG. 1, a pillow is shown under the sheet at the head end and this keeps the patients head out of the water.

The mechanism for supporting the side edges of the flexible sheet constitutes the improvement of the present invention. The frame work shown generally at 16, includes a base frame assembly 17 which is at the foot of the bed and a head frame assembly 18. The base and head frame assemblies are joined together with laterally extending spaced apart side frame assemblies 19 and 20, respectively.

As shown perhaps best in FIG. 2, the base frame assembly 17 includes a large base member 23, which is mounted on caster 24, or has other suitable support means. The base member 23 supports a large cabinet 25 that includes controls and plumbing arrangements which will be more fully explained. The base member supports the foot end framework which includes a lower cross frame members 26A, a pair of upright post members 26 fixed thereto and a top cross frame member 27 also fixed to the posts 26. 1

Each of the upright post members 26 has a vertically extending track assembly 31 each vertically adjustable on the respective post 26, the position of the tracks determines the height of the side frames at the foot end of the bed. The tracks are positioned laterally outwardly from the sides of the bed.

The tracks 31 comprise square tubes 31A that are slidably mounted over posts 26. The tracks may be vertically adjusted and held in place. A series of vertically spaced holes are provided in the posts 26 and screws 31C are threadably mounted through collars 31D fixed to the upper ends of tubes 31A. The screws can be tightened into the proper holes in the posts 26 to keep the tracks properly positioned.

The tracks 31 in turn each support a roller carriage illustrated generally at 32 in dotted lines in FIG. 2. The carriages 32 are mounted for movement up and down in the vertical tracks. The carriages 32 are each attached to an end of side frame rails 19A and 20A, forming portion of side frame assemblies 19 and 20. The rails 19A and 20A are fastened together at first ends by a cross frame member 30. Each of the side frame assemblies 19 and 20 also include second rails 19B and 208, which are provided to the second ends of rails 19A and 198, respectively. The frame rails 19A or 20A extend along the respective longitudinal side of the bed, and a brace 33 is pivotally mounted as at 34 to the side rail 19A or 20A on each side of the bed. Each brace 33 is connected to its respective track 31 with a pivot connection 35. Frame rails 19A and 19B are pivotally connected together substantially in the midpoint of the assembly 19 with a suitable hinge or pivot member 36. The frame rail 19B (and also 20B) as shown in FIG. 2, is constructed with a stop member 37 fixed thereto. The member 37 overlaps the rail 19A, and will rest against the upper surface of the rail 19A adjacent the hinge 36 when the frame rails are unfolded. There also is a stop 31E provided at the top of each of the tracks 31 to prevent the carriages from moving out of tracks 31 when the frame assemblies reach a horizontal position. The cross member stabilizes and holds the two side frame assemblies together during vertical adjustment and insures that they will fold and unfold together.

The side frame rails 19B and 208, respectively, are supported on the head frame assembly 18. As shown, the head frame assembly 18 includes upright posts 40,

which are spaced apart and are connected together only with a removable upper cross bar assembly 41. The cross bar assembly has open top vertical posts 41A and 413 that will telescope over the vertical posts 40 and are not otherwise fastened. A cross member 41C is fixed to posts 41A and 413 to form the cross bar assembly. The frame 41 is strong enough to keep the upright posts 40 from spreading apart during use.

The upright posts 40 also slidably support vertical track members 43. The track members 43 are shown in detail in FIG. 6. These tracks are typical of the track and carriages used for the foot end frame also. As can be seen, the posts 40 (and also the upright posts 26 and the rest of the frame members) are square tubular members. The track members 43 comprise first and second L" shaped members 43A and 43B which are fixed to a square tube 43C which is large enough to telescope up and down on posts 40. The entire track assembly 43 may be moved up and down their respective post 40 to change the working height of the frame assemblies. The tracks may be held in place with pins or with a screw threadably mounted in collar 42 as shown. The collars 42 are attached to the tubes 43C. The posts 41A and 418 as stated also telescope over the posts 40 and rest on the upper edges of the collars 42, which are attached to the tubes 43C. When the tracks are adjusted up or down on the posts 40 the cross bar assembly will also be raised or lowered automatically.

The L shaped legs on the members 43A and 43B are spaced apart to form a passage or slot 44. The frame rail 193 in this particular instance has a carriage member 45 attached thereto which comprises a support 45A that is attached to the side frame rail 19B, and extends through the slot 44. The support member 45A carries a cross pin or shaft 46 on which a pair of rollers 47,47 are rotatably mounted. The rollers 47,47 are trapped inside the track member 43 by the legs of the L shaped members 43A and 43B and the rollers. The member 45 can move up and down in the track 43. A stop 43D is provided on each track to prevent the carriage members 45 from moving out of the track when the side frame assemblies are in horizontal position.

The carriages 32 are constructed and operate in the same manner as carriages 45. A separate brace 50 on each side of the frame assembly is pivotally mounted to the respective side frame rails 19B and 208 as at 5], and also is pivotally mounted at its opposite end of the respective vertical track 43 as at 52.

The upright frame posts 40 are in turn supported on feet members 53 that also have suitable rollers or casters 54 thereon. These feet members 53 as shown are merely straight members with casters at either end.

The tracks 31 and 43 may thus be vertically adjusted to position the frame assemblies 19 and 20 at the proper height for all normally used hospital beds. The

cross frame member 30 will be moved up and down at i the same time as will the member 41C.

The tubular posts 41A and 41B are open topped so that when the frame is in its lowest position the posts 40 will protrude through the top ends of the posts 41A and 41B and the member 41C will still be properly positioned.

The flexible sheet 14 is supported on side frame assemblies 19 and 20, cross frame member 30, and cross frame member 41C. These members all have small fasteneing members 55 on the bottom side thereof so that when the edge portion of sheet 14 is folded over the edges of these frame members, it can be fastened with these fastening members and held in place to form the waterproof tub 15. The edges of the sheets could also be looped around the support members and snapped to themselves so they are held on the proper support.

The controls in the cabinet 25 include hot and cold water inlet pipes 60 and 61, which are attached to the faucets in the room, and which pass through a mixing valve 62 that has a temperature control on it so that the hot and cold water coming in through pipes 60 and 61 can be mixed if desired. The output on the mixing valve 62 passes across a thermometer, then to a selector valve 63 which can direct the water from the mixing valve either to the tub through a pipe 64 and a hose 65 or to drain through a pipe 66. The temperature of the water 63 can be set by having the valve 63 in the drain position while the temperature control valve is adjusted to get the proper temperature of the bath water. Then the selector valve 63 can be turned to the tub position, and water discharged through the hose 65. As shown, a shower head 68 can be utilized if desired to give onto the patient a shower if desired.

In addition, the cabinet 25 includes a self contained electrically driven pump 70 which has an output pipe 71 connected through a check valve 72 to the drain line. A check valve 73 is also used to drain line between the selector valve 63 and the connection for the pump 70. This means that the tub can be emptied by putting a hose on the inlet line 74 to the pump 70, and running the pump until the water is sucked out of the tub.

When the frame is to be used, it is rolled up to the end of the bed in position as shown in FIG. 4. It should be noted that the side frame members are constructed so that when the frame is folded the head frame assembly 18 is lifted off the floor so that the feet members 53 and rollers 54 clear the floor. The entire frame is then supported on the main base 23 which has three casters, and can be easily positioned. This improves the maneuverability of the frame for storage or for moving from one room to another. The frame can have latches to hold it in its folded position, if desired.

After the frame has been positioned at the foot end of the bed, the head frame 18 will be overlying the bed. The frame is pulled out to its extended position as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The casters 54 on the foot members 53 touch the floor soon after the unfolding commences, and the frame 18 is merely pulled along the bed.

The roller carriage members 32 and 45, when they are in the folded position are near the bottom of the respective tracks 43 and 31, and as the unit unfolds, these carriage members will move upwardly in the tracks to their stopped positions adjacent the top of the tracks. The stop members 37 of the side frame assemblies and 19 also stop the side frames at their proper position. The length of the side frames is selected to fit over the standard size bed, and if desired the cross bar assembly 41 can be removed when the unit is moved over the bed. Usually this frame section can be left in place and will clear the patient without any problem.

Removing cross bar assembly 41 permits use of this device on special configuration beds, and also allows the device to be set up on a bed where a traction frame is being used. The cross bar assembly 41 is merely lifted off while the frame is being extended, and then set back into position. Cross bar assembly 41 is not fastened to posts 40 by screws or collars. It merely telescopes over posts 40, and rests on vertical track members 43, which also telescope on post 40, but which are fastened in proper position by set screws or collars to post 40.

The tracks can be vertically adjusted to accommodate beds of different heights. The movement of the tracks moves the braces 33 and 50 respectively and thus changes the working height of the frame rails. Once the frame is properly positioned, and assuming that the sheet 14 had been placed under the patient before, the edges of this sheet are lifted up over the side and end frame members 18, 20, 30 and 41C and fastened to the fastener members 55 to form a waterproof tub 15. The sheet is supported on the mattress. The patient is then bathed after the tub has been filled as previously described, and when done, the water can be pumped out by running the pump 70.

The sheet is then unfastened from the frame, the frame is folded by folding the side frame assemblies 20 and 21, or by depressing cross bar 30. The head frame will roll out along the sides of the bed until it is adjacent base frame at which time the head frame will be lifted off the floor as shown in FIG. 4 and the entire unit can then be disconnected from the water supply and taken to the next patient. The sheets 14 can be sterilized between usages, so that the only necessary change is a new sheet for each patient each time.

In FIG. 7 a modified form of the invention is illustrated. In this particular figure, the foot end frame is made without the large support cabinet 25, and forms a somewhat lighter duty unit, but still utilizes the same head section and folding side frame members. The frame rails 19A and 20A are connected together at the foot of the bed with cross member 30 that ties the two side frame rails together. The foot frame 81 is a lighter duty unit having foot support members 82 with suitable casters 83 thereon, and held together with a cross member 84 and a top cross frame 85. A safety latch can be extended between cross member 30 and member 85 to hold the unit in erected position. The control console or panel 86 is mounted on cross member 30 and includes the controls shown previously. When the frame is folded, any latch between members 30 and 85 is released and member 30 can be pushed downwardly as shown, to cause the side rails to fold. In its working position the cross member 30 is substantially horizontal and underneath the frame 85. The control console 86 includes all of the connections previously described, but the frame does not include the large cabinet. Here, too, the foot frame is used to support the entire frame assembly when the frame assembly is folded, so that the unit can be maneuvered from place to place. The usage is exactly as that previously described. The foot frame is lighter duty.

In FIGS. 8, 9, l0, l1 and 12, a different form of means for attaching the folding side rails to the foot and head frames is illustrated. The overall framework for supporting the flexible waterproof sheet illustrated generally at includes a foot end frame 1 1 l, and a head end frame 112 at the respective ends of the bed. The foot end frame 111, and the head frame 112 can be made substantially identically except for different height of the cross top member and if desired, a removable cross member at the top. The frame 111 has roller support carriage 113 at the bottom thereof, and the frame 112 has roller support carriages 113. Suitable rollers or casters are on the carriages so that the frame assembly can be rolled into position overlying a bed, substantially as shown in FIG. 1.

In FIGS. 8 12, the controls for filling the tub formed on the bed and frame are not illustrated, but can be of any desired configuration.

The side rail or frame assemblies are indicated at 119 and 120 (FIG. Each rail assembly is substantially identical and typically as shown includes a first section 119A, and a second section 1198, which are pivotally mounted together substantially in the midportions thereof with the suitable pin hinge arrangement illustrated generally at 118. A flange member 121 having downwardly depending legs is fixed to section 119A and the end portion of section 1198 is pivotally mounted between the legs with a pin that passes through the legs of bracket 121 and suitable pin receptacles on section 1198. As shown, a flange on member 121 operates as a stop member to prevent the center portions of sections 119A and 119B from pivoting downwardly beyond a horizontal working position.

The end frame 111 at the foot of the bed is typical in construction, except the frame at the head of the bed has the higher cross member at the top, as shown, which is removable if necessary. Each of the end frames include spaced upright legs 122, and 123 respectively, each supported on the separate carriage 113 or 114. A top cross member 124 is provided at the foot frame with downwardly extending tube portions 128 which telescope over legs 122 and 123. A top cross member 125 is provided at the head and also has tube portions 128 which extend downwardly and telescope over the top ends of legs 122 and 123. These end frames can be assembled so that the top cross member is formed integral with the tubes 128, or the cross members can be welded in place to make the frames open bottom U shaped members, which slide up and down on the legs 122 and 123 to provide vertical adjustment for the side rails to correspond with height selected and secured by positioning and securing tubes 128.

The side rail assemblies 119 and 120, are constructed substantially identically and are each mounted to the foot and head end frames in the same manner. As shown, the section 119A is pivotally mounted to the foot frame with a pin 126 passing through a U shaped bracket 127 and openings in the end portion or rail section 119A. The bracket 127 is fixed to the square tube 128 that is slidably mounted over the corresponding leg 122. Likewise the brackets 127 are welded to the square tube 128 mounted over the legs 123 and on each leg of the head frame as well.

The tubes 128 are vertically adjustable on their respective legs 122 or 123 at both the foot and head ends of the bed through the use ofa pin 130 passing through holes in the tubes 128 and through one set ofa plurality of adjustment holes 131 in the upright legs 122 or 123. The vertical adjustment is made for different size beds, and both the foot and head ends of the unit can thereby be vertically adjusted. The end of the rail section 1193 is also pivoted to a U shaped bracket 127 mounted on tubes 128 at the head end. Likewise, the sections of side rail 120 on the opposite side of the unit are also pivoted as shown in connection with rail 119.

At the lower end of each of the tubes 128 there is another U shaped bracket 131 affixed to the tube 128, so that the two brackets 127 and 131 move with each of the tubes 128. A brace assembly indicated generally at 132 is pivotally connected between each U shaped bracket 131 and a U shaped bracket 133 on the respective rail section, 119A or 1198, or on the rail sections for the rail on the opposite side of the bed. Each brace assembly 132 includes a first tubular member 134 that is pivotally mounted as at 135 to the associated bracket 131, and telescopingly slidably fits inside a second tubular member 136, that is pivotally mounted as at 137 to the corresponding bracket 133. Tubular members 134 and 136 can be square or rectangular in cross section, or if desired could be circular in cross section as well. The brace assemblies 132 are made so that the inner ends of the tubes 134 will strike the respective cross pin 137 when the side rail or frame assemblies 119 or 120 are in their horizontal position as shown in dotted lines in FIG. 8. The inner tubes then support the respective side rail sections 119A, 1198 or (the sections making up side rail assembly 120) on the opposite side, and also the flange on member 121 helps support these in horizontal position. The tubes 134 can be adjustable in length if desired by having a rod end threaded into a nut welded into the ends of the tube by brackets 131.

In addition, there are cross support frame members at the head and foot ends of the frame for supporting the ends of the flexible sheet 14 to form a tub on the bed 11 as shown in dotted lines. For example cross frame member 140 is connected between the downward extending portions 128 of the frame at the foot end. This cross frame member 140 can be removably connected with suitable brackets such as the U shaped brackets 127 and removable pins if desired, or can be welded in place as shown between the downward tube portions 128 of the foot frame. The cross member 140 is used for supporting the foot end portion of the flexible sheet 14 when it is used to form a tub 15. The cross member 140 is connected between the downward extending portions so it will move up and down with the side rail members. The height of the cross member is automatically adjusted when the height of the side rail members is adjusted.

At the head end of the bed, a cross frame member 142 is utilized. This cross frame member 142 is also attached between the tubes 128 at the head end of the bed, and can be made so that it is movable to position to raise up out of the way of the bed frame when the head end frame 112 is passed over the bed as the unit is being moved into position. This cross member 142 can be mounted on a pivot arm assembly with the cross member 142 mounted on arms 142A that pivot at 1428 (See FIG. 11) adjacent the tops of tubes 128 on the head end frame to permit swinging the cross frame member 142 up out of the way, the cross member 142 can merely be quickly removable with pins and U shaped brackets so that it can be manually taken out of place when the main frame assembly 110 is being collapsed or extended over the bed. Cross member 142 can even be omitted and the head end of sheet 14 fastened to cross member 125.

It should be noted that the relationship of the respective lengths of the side rail sections 119A and 1198, (and the sections of side rail assembly 120) is selected so that the head end frame 112 will be lifted off the floor and supported on the carriages 113 of the foot end frame when the unit is fully folded. The unit in this form of the invention thus folds to position as shown in FIG. 4 of the accompanying drawings.

Referring to FIG. 12, a further modified form of the invention is shown wherein a single cross member at the head frame is removable. Legs 122A and 123A are made longer than in the form of the invention shown in FlGS. 8, 9, l and 11 and tube portions 128A slide over these legs 122A and 123A. The upper ends of legs 122A and 123A protrude through the upper ends of tubes 128A. The tubes are adjustable with pins 130 and holes 131 in the legs as previously explained.

A cross member 150 is mounted on short tubular sleeves 151 that also slidably mount over the upper ends of legs 122A and 123A and rest on the tops of tubes 128A. The cross member 150 can be removed if necessary when installing the frame over a special bed by lifting the sleeves 151 over the upper ends of legs 122A and 123A and then replaced by sliding the sleeves over the tops of the legs when the frame assembly is in place. The cross member 150 would support the head end of flexible sheet 14 to form tub 15.

The frame assembly shown in FIGS. 8 12, is used in the same manner as the previous form of the invention. For storage the side frames fold upwardly and the head and foot frames are positioned adjacent each other. The folded assembly is placed at the foot of the bed and the head frame is moved toward the head of the bed. If the frame has cross member 142 it may be removed or moved if necessary during this installation to accommodate special or unusual conditions. FIG. 8 shows the frame partially extended in dotted lines. Also, if cross member 150 is used it can be removed if desired. Once in position over the bed with the side rails horizontal as shown in FIG. 8, and with the side rail assemblies 119 and 120 in their horizontal position the flexible sheet 14 will be fastened in around the members 119, 120, 140 and 142 (or 150) with suitable fastening means again illustrated at 55. The tub formed by this flexible waterproof sheet 14, which is supported on the bed 11 (dotted lines FIG. 8) can then be filled with water and the patient can be bathed. When done, the water will be drained or pumped out in a desired manner, and the frame assembly 110 can be folded up by folding the side rail members 119 and 120 upwardly at their center pivot connection as shown in dotted lines in FIG. 8 until the head end frame is supported on the foot end frame, and then the unit can be rolled out with the castered support members 113.

In the device of FIGS. 8 12 the height of the side rail assemblies 1 l9 and 120 when the unit is folded will be slightly higher than when the roller and track is shown in the previous figures are utilized, but the unit will still be low enough to pass through door openings.

The two frame structure (head and foot) and collapsible side rails provide an easily stored and quickly usable frame for portable bed supported tubs.

What is claimed is:

1. In a collapsible bed bath assembly for use with a bed supported on a floor in bathing a bed patient and supported on the floor independently of the bed, a bath tub formed of flexible sheet material providing a bottom wall adapted to rest upon the bed, and means to support the peripheral edge portions of the flexible sheet material above the bottom thereof comprising a first frame, a pair of longitudinally extending side rails, means to mount first ends of said side rails relative to said first frame spaced apart to clear the lateral edges of said bed, second means supported on the floor independently of said bed, means to mount second ends of said side rails to said second means whereby said second ends are supported adjacent said bed, said side rails being collapsible to a first position wherein the length of horizontal extension of said rails is substantially reduced from their horizontal extension in a working position to an extended working position wherein said side rails extend along the sides of the bed and are supported by said second means on said floor above the level of the bed to form means for supporting the opposite side edges of said flexible sheet, said second means including spaced elements forming an unobstructed space to permit said second means to move alongside the bed from one end thereof to the other as the side rails are moved from their first position to their working position, and third means to support the end of said flexible sheet adjacent said second means above the level of said bed.

2. The combination as specified in claim 1 wherein each of said side rails comprise two rail sections pivotally attached to each other in center portions thereof, and foldable upwardly in center portions thereof, the means to mount the side rails to the first frame and the second means comprising pivot connections without substantially changing the orientation of the first frame and second means with respect to the floor.

3. The combination as specified in claim 2 wherein said second means to support second ends of said side rails comprises a second frame member having said spaced apart elements, said elements comprising a pair of spaced upright posts, said third means connecting said posts when in use, whereby said second frame can be moved along said bed, with the upright posts positioned on opposite sides thereof.

4. The combination as specified in claim 3 wherein said second frame includes surface engaging roller means to support the lower ends of said upright posts for rolling movement along said floor.

5. The combination as specified in claim 3 wherein said one side rail section of each side rail is of a length to lift said second frame member from the floor when said rails are in their first folded position, and roller means supporting said first frame.

6. The combination of claim 2 and stop means to prevent the side rail sections from folding downwardly beyond position wherein the side rail sections form a substantial horizontal side rail.

7. The combination as specified in claim 2 wherein the means to mount the side rails on the first frame and second means includes means to vertically adjustably mount said side rails on the first frame and second means.

8. The combination of claim 7, and wherein said first frame includes spaced support posts for the first ends of the side rails, and said means mounting the side rails to the first frame and second means comprise separate brace means at each end of each side rail having first ends connected to portions of the respective side rails adjacent each associated support post and extending downwardly and toward the associated support post, and means to connect the second ends of said brace means to its associated support post to support the side rails in the working position.

9. The combination of claim 8 wherein said brace means comprise two telescoping sections slidably connected together and means to stop the telescoping ac tion of said brace means in the working position of said side rails.

10. A frame assembly for supporting a bath tub formed of flexible sheet material adapted to rest upon a bed, said frame assembly supporting the edge portions of the flexible sheet material above the bottom thereof, a first support frame, a pair of longitudinally extending side rails, means to mount first ends of said side rails relative to said first support frame, said rails being collapsible from a first position wherein the horizontal extension of said rails from said support frame is substantially less than the horizontal extension thereof in a working position of said side rails, to an extended working position wherein said rails extend along and adjacent the sides of the bed and are positioned above the level of the bed to form means for supporting the opposite side edges of said flexible sheet, second spaced apart support means, means to mount second ends of said rails to said second support means whereby said second means are movable with said rails to support second ends of said rails on said floor in the working position, said means to mount said rails permitting collapsing and extending said rails while said first support frame and said second means remain supported on said floor without interfering with said bed, and means retainable on said first frame and said second support means respectively to support the transverse ends of said flexible sheet above the level of said bed.

11. The combination as specified in claim wherein said means to support second ends of said rails comprises a second frame member having a pair of spaced upright posts which straddle said bed and means connecting said posts in the working position.

12. The combination of claim 10 wherein the means to mount the ends of the rails include vertically adjustable means to support said side rails to the first frame and second means in said working position.

13. The combination of claim 12 wherein said vertically adjustable means comprises tubular means slidably mounted on the first frame and second means respectively, and means to retain said tubular means in vertically adjusted positions on the first frame and second means respectively.

14. The combination of claim 13 and means to pivotally attach the ends of said side rails to the respective associated tubular means, said side rails each comprising at least two rail sections pivotally mounted to each other in midportions thereof, said means to attach including means to permit upward pivotal movement of the center portions of said rail section without substantially changing the orientation of the first frame and second means with respect to the floor.

15. A foldable bed bath comprising an end frame, foldable side rail elements on opposite sides of said bath, each including at least two rail sections pivotally connected to one another, means to mount first ends of said side rail elements to the end frame, a head frame member having a recess therein with sufficient height and width to clear the width and height of a bed with which the bed bath is to be used and including means mounting the opposite ends of said side rail elements thereto, said side rail elements being collapsible so that said end frame and said head frame are disposed in adjacent side-by-side position, said end frame being positionable adjacent the foot of a bed and the head frame being movable to the opposite end of the bed as the side rail elements are extended to a position wherein they are supported above and adjacent the sides of the bed, a flexible waterproof sheet of material releasably connected to the side rail elements in an extended condition, said sheet of material being supportable on the top of the bed to form a bathtub with edges of said sheet of material above the bed.

P0405) UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 56 CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent 3,806,336 Dated April 2, 1974 lnvintofls) Julian S. Hoxeng It is certified thaterror appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Column 7,. line 43 "or should be--of--. Column 10, a line 21, (ClaimZ, line 6) after "connections" insert--which permit upward movement of the center portions of the side tails-" Signed andsealed this 17th day of September 1974.

(SEAL) Attest:

McCOY M. I GIBSON JR. C. MARSHALL DANN Commissioner of Patents Attesting Officer 

1. In a collapsible bed bath assembly for use with a bed supported on a floor in bathing a bed patient and supported on the floor independently of the bed, a bath tub formed of flexible sheet material providing a bottom wall adapted to rest upon the bed, and means to support the peripheral edge portions of the flexible sheet material above the bottom thereof comprising a first frame, a pair of longitudinally extending side rails, means to mount first ends of said side rails relative to said first frame spaced apart to clear the lateral edges of said bed, second means supported on the floor independently of said bed, means to mount second ends of said side rails to said second means whereby said secoNd ends are supported adjacent said bed, said side rails being collapsible to a first position wherein the length of horizontal extension of said rails is substantially reduced from their horizontal extension in a working position to an extended working position wherein said side rails extend along the sides of the bed and are supported by said second means on said floor above the level of the bed to form means for supporting the opposite side edges of said flexible sheet, said second means including spaced elements forming an unobstructed space to permit said second means to move alongside the bed from one end thereof to the other as the side rails are moved from their first position to their working position, and third means to support the end of said flexible sheet adjacent said second means above the level of said bed.
 2. The combination as specified in claim 1 wherein each of said side rails comprise two rail sections pivotally attached to each other in center portions thereof, and foldable upwardly in center portions thereof, the means to mount the side rails to the first frame and the second means comprising pivot connections without substantially changing the orientation of the first frame and second means with respect to the floor.
 3. The combination as specified in claim 2 wherein said second means to support second ends of said side rails comprises a second frame member having said spaced apart elements, said elements comprising a pair of spaced upright posts, said third means connecting said posts when in use, whereby said second frame can be moved along said bed, with the upright posts positioned on opposite sides thereof.
 4. The combination as specified in claim 3 wherein said second frame includes surface engaging roller means to support the lower ends of said upright posts for rolling movement along said floor.
 5. The combination as specified in claim 3 wherein said one side rail section of each side rail is of a length to lift said second frame member from the floor when said rails are in their first folded position, and roller means supporting said first frame.
 6. The combination of claim 2 and stop means to prevent the side rail sections from folding downwardly beyond position wherein the side rail sections form a substantial horizontal side rail.
 7. The combination as specified in claim 2 wherein the means to mount the side rails on the first frame and second means includes means to vertically adjustably mount said side rails on the first frame and second means.
 8. The combination of claim 7, and wherein said first frame includes spaced support posts for the first ends of the side rails, and said means mounting the side rails to the first frame and second means comprise separate brace means at each end of each side rail having first ends connected to portions of the respective side rails adjacent each associated support post and extending downwardly and toward the associated support post, and means to connect the second ends of said brace means to its associated support post to support the side rails in the working position.
 9. The combination of claim 8 wherein said brace means comprise two telescoping sections slidably connected together and means to stop the telescoping action of said brace means in the working position of said side rails.
 10. A frame assembly for supporting a bath tub formed of flexible sheet material adapted to rest upon a bed, said frame assembly supporting the edge portions of the flexible sheet material above the bottom thereof, a first support frame, a pair of longitudinally extending side rails, means to mount first ends of said side rails relative to said first support frame, said rails being collapsible from a first position wherein the horizontal extension of said rails from said support frame is substantially less than the horizontal extension thereof in a working position of said side rails, to an extended working position wherein said rails extend along and adjacent the sides of the bed and are pOsitioned above the level of the bed to form means for supporting the opposite side edges of said flexible sheet, second spaced apart support means, means to mount second ends of said rails to said second support means whereby said second means are movable with said rails to support second ends of said rails on said floor in the working position, said means to mount said rails permitting collapsing and extending said rails while said first support frame and said second means remain supported on said floor without interfering with said bed, and means retainable on said first frame and said second support means respectively to support the transverse ends of said flexible sheet above the level of said bed.
 11. The combination as specified in claim 10 wherein said means to support second ends of said rails comprises a second frame member having a pair of spaced upright posts which straddle said bed and means connecting said posts in the working position.
 12. The combination of claim 10 wherein the means to mount the ends of the rails include vertically adjustable means to support said side rails to the first frame and second means in said working position.
 13. The combination of claim 12 wherein said vertically adjustable means comprises tubular means slidably mounted on the first frame and second means respectively, and means to retain said tubular means in vertically adjusted positions on the first frame and second means respectively.
 14. The combination of claim 13 and means to pivotally attach the ends of said side rails to the respective associated tubular means, said side rails each comprising at least two rail sections pivotally mounted to each other in midportions thereof, said means to attach including means to permit upward pivotal movement of the center portions of said rail section without substantially changing the orientation of the first frame and second means with respect to the floor.
 15. A foldable bed bath comprising an end frame, foldable side rail elements on opposite sides of said bath, each including at least two rail sections pivotally connected to one another, means to mount first ends of said side rail elements to the end frame, a head frame member having a recess therein with sufficient height and width to clear the width and height of a bed with which the bed bath is to be used and including means mounting the opposite ends of said side rail elements thereto, said side rail elements being collapsible so that said end frame and said head frame are disposed in adjacent side-by-side position, said end frame being positionable adjacent the foot of a bed and the head frame being movable to the opposite end of the bed as the side rail elements are extended to a position wherein they are supported above and adjacent the sides of the bed, a flexible waterproof sheet of material releasably connected to the side rail elements in an extended condition, said sheet of material being supportable on the top of the bed to form a bathtub with edges of said sheet of material above the bed. 